Supporting Vaughan’s economy
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City continues to provide free resources, training and programs for local businesses throughout COVID-19
Maintaining the competitiveness of the local economy throughout the global pandemic is a priority. As businesses adapt to evolving COVID-19 challenges, the City of Vaughan continues to innovate its processes and implement new measures to support them.
Maintaining the competitiveness of the local economy throughout the global pandemic is a priority. As businesses adapt to evolving COVID-19 challenges, the City of Vaughan continues to innovate its processes and implement new measures to support them.
The following programs and resources have been introduced or enhanced in support of Vaughan’s business network. A full list can be viewed at vaughanbusiness.ca.
#SHOPVAUGHANLOCAL
In April, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua launched the #ShopVaughanLocal initiative to provide relief to the business community and to help ease the financial burden caused by COVID-19. There are many ways residents can help – even from the comfort of home. You can make a difference by:
- Ordering takeout or delivery from a local restaurant
- Shopping in-store or ordering online from local businesses
- Sharing your local love using #ShopVaughanLocal on social media platforms
- Buying gift cards from local businesses to use at a later date
PATIO PERMIT DEADLINE EXTENSION
On Oct. 21, Vaughan Council unanimously voted in favour of further extending the temporary permit deadline for eating establishments to create or expand an outdoor patio space until the end of the declared emergency. This by-law will remain in effect for 14 days beyond the termination of the emergency declaration in Vaughan. Businesses can begin the process of creating or expanding an outdoor patio space by completing an application form (PDF) and emailing it to bylaw.licensing@vaughan.ca. Only licensed eating establishments and banquet halls are eligible to receive an approval to operate a temporary outdoor patio. Upon completion of the application, the applicant must confirm the establishment meets all the requirements to set up a temporary outdoor patio. A business licence with an endorsement for a temporary outdoor patio will be issued within two business days; however, applicants may set up the patio once they submit their application.
DIGITAL BOOST VAUGHAN SMALL BUSINESS RESILIENCY PROGRAM
The Digital Boost Vaughan Small Business Resiliency Program provides free training and mentorship to help local businesses adapt to the changing environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Programming covers topics such as: digital marketing strategies; launching or improving an e-commerce store; developing new product lines or services; developing new revenue models, such as curbside pickup or drop-shipping; and developing financial resiliency. The fall cohort of the program began in September with workshops running until the end of November, and mentorship to follow. All training components will be delivered virtually to abide by physical distancing rules. Participants registered in the Digital Boost Vaughan Small Business Resiliency Program will have the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 provincial grant to implement their new business strategies, which will be awarded to companies with a physical storefront or location in Vaughan and have less than 10 full-time employees, among other criteria.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS ONLINE DIRECTORY
Launched by the City’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department, the Open for Business online directory lists local businesses that are open during the current state of emergency. The voluntary listing includes businesses that are open or providing modified operations by phone, online, takeout or delivery in compliance with provincial and municipal regulations. Vaughan businesses interested in being included in the list must apply and can do so through this online form.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
Other virtual resources designed to support local business include:
- information on resources available from other levels of government to support business, which can be found at vaughanbusiness.ca/COVID.
- the vaughanbusiness.ca website with a dedicated COVID-19 information page.
- virtual business advisory services to support with registering a business, business planning, accessing government assistance programs and more. Local businesses can access these services through this online form.
- sector-specific eNewsletters to keep businesses up to date on government announcements, funding and relevant programming. Businesses can subscribe here.
- access to all events and webinars hosted virtually for businesses across York Region via vaughanbusiness.ca/events.
- season two of the Vaughan Rising Podcast, which examines the resiliency of Vaughan’s business community and talks to leaders who are pivoting, innovating and doing what it takes to make it through to the other side of the pandemic.
- the Activate!Vaughan Health Innovation Challenge, in partnership with the Province of Ontario, Mackenzie Health, the Mackenzie Innovation Institute, SE Health, Sterling Industries, The HUB and ventureLAB. Entrepreneurs participating in the program will present innovative business solutions that will deliver high-quality, effective and patient-focused care.
- a Virtual Real Estate Conference hosted in partnership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Nov. 12 and Friday, Nov. 13 for realtors, developers, planners and local business owners in Vaughan. The conference will provide an opportunity for attendees to hear from and engage in meaningful discussion about the impact of COVID-19 on Vaughan’s housing and development market.
To learn more about online programs and services available for businesses, visit vaughanbusiness.ca.
To receive the City’s latest COVID-19 updates as they happen, view vaughan.ca/COVID19, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
Those who feel unwell and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, including physical distancing tips and advice from Public Health officials, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
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